Mumbai With rising dust levels and deteriorating air quality in the city, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has intensified its efforts to control air pollution caused by rapid construction and development.
In collaboration with WRI India and with support from the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), India Alliance for Clean Construction (IACC), NAREDCO, CREDAI-MCHI, and PETA, the BMC conducted a workshop titled “Air Pollution Mitigation at Construction Sites” at the MMRDA’s new administrative building in Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC).
Key officials, including Deputy Commissioner (Environment) Avinash Kate, Executive Engineers Varsha Athalye and Suhas Nemaane, and representatives from industry bodies, attended the session.
During the workshop, Avinash Kate highlighted the urgent need to enforce stricter air pollution controls at Mumbai’s construction sites amid ongoing infrastructure expansion. He urged all developers, contractors, and engineers to strictly adhere to the BMC’s 28-point guideline aimed at reducing dust and emissions.
Mumbai’s air quality often worsens between October and March due to dry weather, road dust, and vehicular emissions. To tackle this, the BMC is finalising a tougher by-law with higher penalties for violators, expected to take effect from November.
Once enforced, the Environment Department will have the authority to directly penalise construction sites flouting dust control norms — a move aimed at ensuring cleaner air and a healthier urban environment.
